Everyday Getaway (August 2008)

If you can’t escape elsewhere for the stickiest month of the year, Alexandria’s Indigo Landing is the perfect place to close your eyes and pretend you did. Read more

This Pear is Aces (June/July 2008)

If you haven’t ventured to Dupont Circle in a while, it may be time to catch up on one of its latest hotspots. Last year, Alan Popovsky (owner of Felix and Spy Lounge, a little further up the Red Line) opened doors to chic brasserie-style dining and drinking spot Hudson. Read more

Slipping into Summer (May 2008)

It’s that time of year again: Summer is peeking out at us from behind the last cold front of the year (we hope), the cherry blossoms are stretching forth fragile, blooming branches, and cocktail menus everywhere are switching over to light, refreshing drinks to suit the season. Read more

Sipping Gentility (April 2008)

Well-kempt women in lace and pearls strolling beneath a leaf-fringed sky. Trotting horse hooves clopping along stone-lined streets. Gentlemen tipping their hats as they encounter passers-by around town. Has the calamity of the modern world rendered the gentility of Historic Alexandria a thing of the past? Read more

Innovative Imbibing (March 2008)

Legal eagles and outlaws alike voluntarily surrender to temptation at the freshly minted Trademark Bar. Nestled in the new Westin Alexandria Hotel, the wine bar is named for its proximity to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and features some creative cocktails playing off that concept. Where better to mull over your latest invention—or consort with your lawyer—than perched upon a barstool? Read more

Love’s First Blush (February 2008)

If you want to impress a special someone on Valentine’s Day, ditch the same old bunch o’flowers routine. The stylish suitor knows that nothing says “you’re the one” like a Bouquet of Rosé cocktail! Read more

Southern Sunshine (January 2008)

This south-of-the-border twist on a classic “Old Fashioned” makes you feel like you’re drinking in golden rays on a dreary winter day. The mango-pomegranate combination balances tart and sweet, with an extra kick of antioxidants. (Being healthier was a New Year’s resolution, right?) Pair this drink with an order of Oyamel’s famous grasshopper tacos—and you’re in for an exotic experience. Read more

Snowed in for the Holidays … (December 2007)

What turns up the heat on chilly nights and blustery days better than a cool cocktail? Spice up the same old humdrum holiday cheer with this exotic drink, created by D.C. bartender Gina Chersevani at Rasika, in Penn Quarter. If you’re not headed to the District anytime soon, follow this recipe and try making it for your own red-hot holiday party! Read more

Perfect Pairings (November 2007)

It may be time for you to reconsider the outdated notion that only wine is fit to drink with a gourmet meal. Today’s talented mixologists are tailoring cocktails to complement the savory flavors of fancy fare. Read more

Lapping Up Success (October 2007)

You don’t have to be one of the “Rich and Famous” to drink like them! When billionaire bachelor Calvin Ayre wanted his own Liquid Muse signature cocktail, I began with a swanky classic, the Negroni, and gave it a refreshing twist. Below, are the recipes for both the inspiration and the result: Read more

Quaffing Close to Home (September 2007)
Bask in the “royale” treatment at Bastille!

The dining (and drinking) landscape is exploding in, and around, Northern Virginia. New hotspots, picturesque wineries—even a vodka distillery—make “clinking glasses” anywhere else seem like a wasted journey. Read more

Drafts No One's Dodging (August 2007)
Panache and Mexican Michelada

In honor of sweltering August heat, icy brews are the focus this month! Whether barbecuing in the backyard, or simply cooking up some fun with friends, beer quenches every thirst. Read more

Spice Up Your Summer (June/July 2007)
Classic Caipirinha and Mistico

Remember summer vacation—that much anticipated period when everyday responsibilities are replaced by fun, freedom and adventure? Well, it has only gotten better! The grown-up version of “vaycay” includes exotic locales, exciting people and enticing libations. Where to begin? Here are a few suggestions… Read more

Turning Over a New Leaf (May 2007)
Zambezi Tea-ni, Tazo Tea-ni and Chai Tea-ni

"Tea For Two" has a whole new meaning on the cocktail scene. From English Earl Grey to Herbal Rose Hips to Asian Green and White teas, the world comes together over Tea-tinis! And, while tea and cream cakes a Mother's Day celebration, today's modern mom may enjoy an updated twist... Read more

Cheers to the Cherry Blossoms (April 2007)
Red Mouth and Red Lotus

It's that magical time of year when the Potomac's riverbanks explode with pink and white, attracting visitors from all over the world. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the District with arts exhibitions and, of course, specialty cocktails! Those lucky enough to attend are invited to pop into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (overlooking the famed trees) for a themed libation. Read more

Sip Smart, Save the Planet (March 2007)
Blue Pom-organic Martini

Looking to go "green" on St. Patrick's Day without shamrock beer? Try these herb-based cocktails and organic spirits. Being environmentally conscious has never been so much fun. Read more

Lovely Libations (February 2007)
Bitter Sweet Gin Fizz

Come Valentine's Day, we either toast eternal love before a roaring fire or roast marshmallows over the flaming photos of Mr. Wrong. This cocktail covers both—the bitter and the sweet! Read more